In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has allowed the withdrawal of life support for a 31-year-old man who has remained in a vegetative state for more than ten years.
The ruling marks the first time a court in India has approved passive euthanasia in such a case.
A Decade in a Vegetative State
The patient, Harish Rana, suffered severe head injuries after falling from a fourth-floor balcony in 2013. At the time, he was an engineering student at Punjab University.
Since the accident, Rana has remained in a coma-like condition. Doctors say he cannot speak, see, hear, or recognise anyone.
He breathes through a tracheostomy tube and receives food through a gastrostomy tube. His parents have cared for him since the accident.
Family’s Long Legal Battle
Rana’s parents approached courts several times over the years. They requested permission to remove life support for their son.
They told local media that they had spent all their savings on his care. They also worried about who would look after him after their death.
Rana’s father, Ashok Rana, thanked the court after the ruling.
“This was a very difficult decision for our family. But we believe it is the best decision for Harish,” he said.
India’s Passive Euthanasia Law
India legalised passive euthanasia in 2018. However, active euthanasia remains illegal.
Passive euthanasia allows doctors to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining treatment in certain situations. Active euthanasia involves intentionally causing a person’s death and is prohibited under Indian law.
A key element of passive euthanasia is a living will. This document allows adults to state their medical preferences if they become terminally ill or unable to communicate.
For example, a person can specify that they do not want to be kept alive on life-support machines.
Absence of a Living Will
In Rana’s case, no living will existed because he was unconscious immediately after the accident.
Because he could not express his wishes, the courts had to rely on medical evaluations.
Judges noted that Rana shows sleep-wake cycles but does not interact meaningfully with others. He also depends entirely on caregivers for daily activities.
Medical Boards’ Assessment
Two medical boards examined Rana’s condition before the final decision.
Doctors concluded that he had permanent brain damage and almost no chance of recovery. They also reported serious complications such as severe bed sores.
Under Indian law, medical boards must confirm that a patient meets strict conditions before life support can be withdrawn.
The Supreme Court’s order now allows doctors to use their clinical judgement to withdraw treatment.
Ethical Debate in India
Rana’s case has sparked debate across India.
Some experts argue that allowing passive euthanasia without a living will raises ethical questions about personal choice.
Others believe the decision respects the dignity of patients who have no hope of recovery.
The ruling is expected to influence future cases involving end-of-life care and medical ethics in India.
